Debunking 5 Common Myths About Colonoscopies: A Gastroenterologist’s Perspective from San Jose

For many people, the thought of a colonoscopy can be intimidating. This crucial screening procedure, however, is often surrounded by misinformation that can prevent people from getting the care they need. Dr. Huy Ngoc Trinh, MD, a specialist in gastroenterology and hepatology in San Jose, is here to clear the air and debunk five common colonoscopy myths, showing you why this procedure is nothing to fear.

Myth #1: The colonoscopy itself is painful.

• Fact: The procedure is not painful! During your colonoscopy at Dr. Trinh’s San Jose clinic, you will be given a sedative or anesthesia that will keep you comfortable throughout the exam. Most patients drift off to sleep and wake up with no memory of the procedure. Your comfort and safety are the top priorities for our team.

Myth #2: The preparation is the worst part.

• Fact: The bowel prep is often the part patients worry about the most, but it’s more of an inconvenience than an ordeal. The process involves drinking a cleansing solution to empty your colon, which can be done at home. While not pleasant, it is manageable, and with modern preparations and expert guidance from Dr. Trinh and his staff, it has become much easier to tolerate. We provide detailed instructions to make it as smooth as possible.

Myth #3: It’s embarrassing.

• Fact: Your doctor and the clinical staff perform these procedures every day. They are professionals who understand your privacy and discomfort. Your modesty will be respected at all times, and you will be covered with a gown. The focus is entirely on your health and a successful screening.

Myth #4: It’s only for old people.

• Fact: This is a dangerous myth. The standard recommendation for screening has recently been lowered to age 45, and it is even earlier for individuals with specific risk factors or a family history of colon cancer. As colon cancer rates rise in younger adults, a colonoscopy is a vital tool for people of all ages to prevent disease. Don’t wait until you’re “old enough”—talk to Dr. Trinh if you have concerns, regardless of your age.

Myth #5: Other screening tests are just as good.

Fact: While other methods like stool-based tests can detect the presence of cancer, they don’t offer the same level of protection. A colonoscopy is the only method that can both find and remove precancerous polyps in the same procedure, stopping cancer before it even begins. This dual capability makes it the most powerful and effective tool we have.